Subway Tiles For Bathroom
Why Choose Subway Tiles for Your Bathroom?
Transform your bathroom into a sophisticated retreat with classic subway tiles. These rectangular ceramic tiles have been a staple in interior design for over a century, offering unmatched versatility and enduring style that complements any bathroom aesthetic.
Key Benefits:
- Water Resistance: Excellent protection against moisture and humidity
- Easy Maintenance: Simple cleaning with standard bathroom cleaners
- Versatile Design: Works with traditional, modern, and transitional styles
- Durability: High-quality ceramic construction withstands daily use
- Cost-Effective: Affordable luxury that adds value to your home
Browse hundreds of subway tiles in various sizes, colors, and finishes.
Find the perfect tiles for your bathroom project and order your $1 samples today.
Popular Subway Tile Finishes for Bathrooms
Glossy Finish
The classic choice that reflects light beautifully, making bathrooms appear brighter and more spacious. Perfect for shower surrounds and backsplashes behind vanities.
Matte Finish
Offers a contemporary, understated look with reduced glare. Ideal for creating a spa-like atmosphere while maintaining the subway tile aesthetic.
Honed Finish
Provides subtle texture with a smooth, non-reflective surface that's both elegant and practical for high-traffic bathroom areas.
Bathroom Applications
Shower Surrounds: Create stunning focal points with floor-to-ceiling subway tile installations. The water-resistant properties make them perfect for wet areas.
Vanity Backsplashes: Protect walls behind sinks while adding style. Subway tiles are easy to clean around faucets and mirrors.
Bathroom Floors: Larger format subway tiles work beautifully as flooring, offering durability and easy maintenance.
Accent Walls: Use subway tiles to create feature walls behind freestanding tubs or in powder rooms.
Color Coordination
Classic white subway tiles offer timeless appeal and pair beautifully with any fixture color. For added character, consider soft grays, warm off-whites, or subtle colored options that complement your bathroom's overall design scheme.
Design Patterns and Layout Options
The traditional horizontal layout creates clean, linear lines that emphasize width in bathrooms. Perfect for shower niches and vanity backsplashes.
Herringbone Pattern
Arrange subway tiles in a V-shaped zigzag pattern for added visual interest and a more dynamic look on accent walls or shower surrounds.
Vertical Stacking
Install tiles in vertical columns to draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of higher ceilings in compact bathrooms.
Basket Weave
Alternate horizontal and vertical tile pairs for a sophisticated woven appearance that adds texture without overwhelming smaller spaces.
Size Options for Every Space
3x6 Inch: The classic subway size, perfect for creating traditional looks in any bathroom size.
4x8 Inch: Slightly larger format that works well in spacious master bathrooms and creates fewer grout lines.
2x8 Inch: Elongated tiles that emphasize horizontal lines and work beautifully in modern bathroom designs.
Installation Considerations
Professional installation ensures proper waterproofing and alignment. Consider rectified edges for tighter grout lines and a more seamless appearance. Pair with high-quality grout that complements your tile choice and provides long-lasting performance in moisture-rich environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
White or light grey grout is most popular with white subway tiles for a clean, classic look. White grout creates a seamless appearance, while light grey adds subtle definition and shows less dirt over time. For a bold contemporary look, dark grey or black grout creates striking contrast. Consider your maintenance preferences, darker grout colors hide staining better than pure white in high-use bathrooms
Glazed ceramic and porcelain subway tiles are waterproof and impervious to water absorption. The glazed surface creates a protective barrier that prevents water penetration. However, grout lines are porous and require proper sealing to be water-resistant. For shower and wet area applications, use epoxy grout or seal cement-based grout regularly. Proper waterproofing membrane installation behind the tiles is also essential for complete moisture protection.
Clean subway tiles regularly with warm water and mild dish soap or a pH-neutral tile cleaner. For soap scum and hard water stains, use a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray the solution, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly. Avoid harsh abrasives that can scratch glazed surfaces. Clean grout lines with a grout brush and seal them annually to prevent staining and maintain their appearance.
Yes, subway tiles are excellent for bathroom showers. Ceramic and porcelain subway tiles are completely waterproof and highly resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew. Their smooth glazed surface makes them easy to clean and maintain. For shower installations, ensure proper waterproofing membrane installation behind the tiles and use high-quality epoxy or urethane grout for the best water resistance.
For small bathrooms, 3x6 inch subway tiles are ideal as they create a sense of spaciousness without overwhelming the space. The classic horizontal running bond pattern helps elongate walls visually. Lighter colors like white or soft grey will make the room feel larger. Consider using larger grout lines in a matching color to reduce visual clutter.
Ready to transform your bathroom
with stunning subway tiles?
Nova Tile and Stone
Visit Nova Tile and Stone showrooms in Reno, Sacramento, Minden, or Fernley to see our complete selection and get expert design advice. Take advantage of our $1 tile sample program to ensure the perfect match for your space